What Subjects Do I Need to Become a Lawyer?

There are no specific mandatory Matric subject requirements to study law in South Africa, beyond English and meeting the Admission Points Score (APS) threshold set by individual universities, as listed on LPC-accredited programmes. However, certain subjects strengthen your application and academic preparation. Here is what South African law faculties expect and recommend.

Mandatory Matric Requirements

English (Home Language or First Additional Language): All South African law universities require a minimum Matric English achievement (typically Grade 5 or higher, depending on the law faculty). English proficiency is critical because law degrees are conducted entirely in English, and legal writing is fundamental to the profession.

Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy: While neither is strictly mandatory for law admission, most top law faculties prefer:

Pure Mathematics: Strongly preferred by University of Witwatersrand (Wits) and University of Cape Town (UCT). Demonstrates analytical capability and improves competitiveness in applications.
Mathematical Literacy: Accepted at most universities (UP, Stellenbosch, UKZN, UWC, UJ, NWU, UNISA) but may place candidates at a disadvantage in highly competitive admissions.

No law school teaches mathematical content in the LLB degree, so this requirement is primarily a filtering mechanism for academic readiness rather than subject-specific relevance.

Admission Points Score (APS) Benchmarks

South African law faculties use the Admission Points Score (APS) calculated from your Matric results. Typical minimum APS thresholds:

Wits, UCT, UP: APS 36–38 (highly competitive; often require APS 40+ for strong candidates)
Stellenbosch, UKZN: APS 32–36
UWC, UJ, NWU: APS 30–34
UNISA (distance learning): APS 24–30 (lower threshold but larger intake)

Your APS is calculated by the National Senior Certificate (NSC) system and converted to a 0–45 scale. Higher Matric grades (7s and 8s) across multiple subjects boost your APS significantly.

Recommended Supporting Subjects

While not mandatory, these subjects strengthen law applications:

History: Demonstrates understanding of context, causation, and argumentation—skills directly applicable to legal reasoning and constitutional law. Universities value history at Matric level.

Business Studies: Provides exposure to corporate environments, contracts, and commercial transactions. Particularly beneficial if you aspire to corporate law or commercial litigation.

Languages (other than English): Proficiency in Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, or other official SA languages is advantageous for legal practice in South Africa and can differentiate your application. Many law firms operate bilingually.

Life Orientation: Though not subject-specific, strong performance in Civics and Ethics components demonstrates ethical reasoning.

What Subjects Do NOT Matter

Law universities do not typically require or prioritise:

Natural sciences (Biology, Physical Sciences, Chemistry)
Information Technology or Computer Science (though coding skills are increasingly valued in legal tech)
Fine Arts or Music

Candidates excelling in these subjects are not disadvantaged, but they do not strengthen a law application directly.

Matric Electives and Competitiveness

Your choice of Matric subjects can differentiate you in applications, particularly for Wits, UCT, and UP, which receive thousands of applications. A strong portfolio might include:

English (Home/FAL)
Pure Mathematics
History
Business Studies
Accounting or Life Orientation

This combination demonstrates broad intellectual capability and readiness for legal study.

Minimum School-Leaving Achievement

All law universities require a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification. International students must provide equivalent credentials (e.g., A-levels, International Baccalaureate, or recognised qualifications from other countries), assessed by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority).

Law Degree Curriculum (Not Based on School Subjects)

Once admitted to an LLB programme, your school subjects no longer matter. The law curriculum at all South African universities covers:

Core mandatory modules:

Constitutional Law and Human Rights
Criminal Law
Law of Persons and Family Law
Law of Property
Law of Things
Delict (Tort Law)
Law of Contract
Law of Succession and Wills
Administrative Law
Civil Procedure and Evidence
Criminal Procedure

Elective modules (vary by university):

Labour Law
Commercial Law
Banking and Financial Law
Intellectual Property Law
Environmental Law
International Law
Tax Law
Arbitration and Mediation

Your Matric subjects do not determine which LLB electives you can take. All graduates complete the same core curriculum.

University-Specific Entry Requirements

University of Witwatersrand (Wits):

APS 36–40 (highly competitive)
English HL/FAL (Grade 5+)
Mathematics strongly preferred

University of Cape Town (UCT):

APS 36–40
English HL/FAL (Grade 5+)
Mathematics strongly preferred; Mathematical Literacy at lower threshold

University of Pretoria (UP):

APS 32–36
English HL/FAL
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy accepted

Stellenbosch University:

APS 32–36
English HL/FAL
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy

UNISA (Distance Learning):

APS 24–30 (most accessible)
English HL/FAL
Minimum Matric passed subjects

Key Information

South African law faculty admission is merit-based on APS and subject choices. The Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014 does not prescribe Matric subjects but governs the LLB curriculum. Individual universities set their own admission criteria within these parameters.

Once you have the right subjects, the next step is how to become a lawyer in South Africa. Understand the full timeline at how long it takes to become a lawyer, and evaluate the investment against lawyer salary expectations.

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Disclaimer: This answer is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. About the Author: This answer was prepared by the Justibly Legal Research Team, reviewed for accuracy by practising attorneys admitted to the High Court of South Africa. Verify attorney credentials on the LPC register.

Last updated: April 2026